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How to Sound Like a Native Foreigner in China!

Ya, I realize my post title is something of an oxymoron… or something like that. It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted as I’ve honestly not had that much interesting to say, but today I came across a news item that really reminded me of something I’ve heard a few times in China, not many times, but a few times.

Do you ever remember as a kid trying to talk like an Asian and making stupid sounds that you felt represented the sound someone Chinese or Japanese makes when speaking their language (a cross between Bruce Lee’s war cries, and Fu Manchu speaking). Well first off, forgive yourself your stupidity because 1. You were a kid (if you were over sixteen don’t forgive yourself) and 2. Chinese people can sometimes be heard to mimic what they think is the sound of a non-Chinese speaking.

Now I will admit, it mostly little kids I’ve heard do this as I’ve walked past. Not so much adults. They prefer to try to mimic the sound of you speaking Chinese (If ever you notice them do this, be sure to ask them why their Chinese sounds so strange, that really shuts them up.)

But hearing a clip of a talking whale (I shit you not) today, I realized the whale that has learned to try to mimic humans (English speaking humans) makes almost exactly the same sound as Chinese kids do when trying to make the sound of foreigners speaking.

So if you’ve ever wanted to know how Chinese sound making fun of westerner’s language (any language, they don’t care), then take a look below.

Sam Reeves is a corporate manger in China and author of ‘Chinese Dating Secrets Exposed’. He has lived in China for ten years (give or take) and been involved with the Chinese community in his native country for many a year. He is interested in all things Chinese (but is still not quite sure why).

Sam Reeves is a corporate manger in China and author of 'Chinese Dating Secrets Exposed'. He has lived in China for ten years (give or take) and been involved with the Chinese community in his native country for many a year. He is interested in all things Chinese (but is still not quite sure why).